Afleveringen
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The Hidden Cost of Prioritizing Business Over Health: A Leader's Wake-Up Call
Are you sacrificing your health on the altar of business success? What if the relentless pursuit of profit is actually undermining your ability to achieve your goals?
In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi engages in a candid conversation with Mark Samuel, a serial entrepreneur and wellness advocate with over 65,000 LinkedIn followers. Their discussion examines the critical intersection of physical health, mental wellbeing, and business success. Drawing from his extensive experience in the health and wellness industry and his own personal journey, Samuel shares raw insights about mental health struggles, the importance of discipline over motivation, and how prioritizing health became the foundation of his business success.
This Episode Covers:
Why health must be the #1 priority before family and work - and how this seemingly selfish choice actually enables everything else The critical difference between motivation and discipline in achieving fitness goals and business success How vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, particularly around mental health challenges, can build stronger connections and opportunities The profound impact of daily physical activity and nutrition on mental health and decision-making capabilities Why entrepreneurial success often requires giving up the need to be in complete control The value of building meaningful relationships through consistent, authentic content creation on LinkedIn How becoming a parent can transform your perspective on business and success The importance of patience in scaling businesses, particularly in the consumer products spaceEpisode Highlights:
00:01 – Why Health Should Be Every Leader’s Top Priority – Mark explains why physical and mental well-being must come before work and everything else.
06:25 – Discipline vs. Motivation in Fitness and Life – Why motivation is fleeting and how discipline drives real, lasting change.
12:18 – The Connection Between Fitness, Nutrition, and Mental Health – Mark shares how his workout and nutrition habits helped him manage anxiety and depression.
19:45 – Self-Awareness and Accountability in Leadership – The importance of taking responsibility for your decisions and learning from mistakes.
28:30 – The Power of Personal Branding and Authenticity – Why building relationships and showing up consistently matters in today’s professional world.
33:50 – How Mark Uses LinkedIn to Build Meaningful Connections – The strategy behind his daily content and engagement.
37:24 – How Fatherhood Changed His Perspective on Life and Success – Mark reflects on how becoming a dad gave him clarity and purpose.
About Mark:
Mark Samuel is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive who has successfully founded, scaled, and exited multiple companies in the health and wellness sector. As President and Board Member of Unbun Foods and Growth Executive at Siddhi Capital, he brings over two decades of expertise in building and growing consumer brands. Previously, Mark founded IWON Organics, a successful better-for-you snack company that was later licensed. Known for his authentic leadership style and dedication to health-focused innovation, he has built a highly engaged following of 65,000+ on LinkedIn through daily content creation. His expertise spans creative branding, strategic business planning, and operational...
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11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #7 Feedback
Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
The Art of Feedback: How Leaders Can Transform Performance Through Better Conversations
Are your feedback conversations falling flat? Many leaders struggle to deliver feedback that drives real behavior change and improves performance. This episode reveals a proven framework for giving feedback that people will actually hear and act on.
On this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi and guest Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins explore the critical skill of giving and receiving feedback effectively. Drawing from their extensive leadership experience, they break down the psychology behind feedback conversations and share practical techniques for making feedback more impactful, including how to avoid common pitfalls like the outdated "feedback sandwich" approach.
This Episode Covers:
Why framing feedback conversations properly is crucial for reducing defensiveness and increasing receptivity The importance of focusing on observable behaviors and specific examples rather than opinions or hearsay How connecting feedback to organizational goals helps remove the perception of personal attacks Why public praise isn't always effective and can backfire even with positive feedback A simple three-step framework (Frame, Observe, Results) for structuring feedback conversations How leaders can create psychological safety by modeling vulnerability when receiving feedback The critical difference between giving feedback on job-related behaviors versus personal preferencesEpisode Highlights:
00:01 – Why Feedback is Essential for Growth – Understanding why feedback matters and the different types of feedback in personal and professional settings.
05:55 – How to Give Effective Feedback – Introducing the FOR Model (Framing, Observations, Results) as a simple, structured approach.
12:31 – The Right and Wrong Way to Give Feedback – Why context matters, how to frame feedback properly, and what happens when feedback is mishandled.
19:45 – Overcoming Defensiveness When Receiving Feedback – Mickey shares a personal story about the challenge of receiving unexpected feedback.
28:30 – The Feedback Sandwich Problem – Why the traditional positive-negative-positive approach is outdated and often counterproductive.
32:38 – Giving Feedback in Private vs. Public – Why leaders should be mindful about how and where they provide feedback to avoid creating mistrust.
46:06 – Building a Culture of Continuous Feedback – How organizations can encourage open dialogue and feedback at all levels to drive performance.
About Damon Lembi:
Damon Lembi is a...
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From Command & Control to Systems Thinking: A New Approach to Leadership Effectiveness
Are you tired of trying to change your team's mindset or "fix" people's attitudes? What if there was a more practical approach to creating lasting change in your organization?
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Trevor Timbeck, co-author of "The Power of Systems," shares how shifting from psychological interpretations to systems thinking can transform leadership effectiveness. Drawing from his journey from computer science to leadership coaching, Trevor explains why focusing on concrete actions and systems rather than mindsets leads to better results.
This Episode Covers:
Why attempting to change people's mindsets often fails and what to do instead How traditional "command and control" leadership actually demands obedience rather than inspiring change The power of shifting from having answers to asking better questions as a leader Why systems aren't just mechanical processes but can be organic and adaptive How to create lasting organizational change without relying on willpower or self-discipline The importance of building supporting systems rather than trying to maintain habits through force Why there's nothing wrong with you or your team - it's about finding better systemsEpisode Highlights:
00:01 – The Shift from Psychology to Systems Thinking – Why most self-improvement advice focuses on the individual rather than the systems around them.
05:02 – Trevor’s Leadership Journey – How moving from computer science to sales to coaching changed his entire perspective on leadership.
12:31 – The Power of Asking Questions – Why great leaders don’t need to have all the answers—just the right questions.
19:45 – Breaking Free from the ‘Need to Be Right’ – How systems thinking helped Trevor improve his marriage, leadership, and approach to problem-solving.
28:30 – How Systems Create Lasting Change – Why focusing on small, practical system changes works better than trying to change mindsets or habits directly.
32:38 – Overcoming Barriers to Change – Why people struggle with sustaining new habits and how to design systems that support long-term success.
46:06 – Applying Systems Thinking in Leadership – How leaders can foster accountability, adaptability, and problem-solving in their teams.
About Trevor:
Trevor Timbeck is a leadership coach and author who combines technical expertise with transformational leadership principles. After earning an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, he built a diverse corporate career spanning IT, marketing, and sales at companies including TD Bank, 3M, BlackBerry, and Sun Microsystems. As SVP of Sales, he managed $40M in revenue before transitioning to Chief Talent Officer after experiencing the impact of professional coaching. He co-authored The Power of Systems with Steve Chandler and holds a Professional Certified Coach designation from the International Coaching Federation. Trevor specializes in helping leaders shift from command-and-control approaches to systems-based leadership, leveraging his unique blend of technical innovation (including a patent for mobile content distribution) and emotional intelligence.
Resources Referenced:
The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life That Works by Trevor Timbeck and Steve Chandler
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Building a True Learning Culture: Moving Beyond Lip Service to Real Impact
Is your organization struggling to maintain a genuine learning culture despite claiming to value employee development? Many companies say they prioritize learning, but few successfully embed it into their DNA. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Dr. Angela Stopper, Chief Learning Officer at UC Berkeley, shares how she transformed Berkeley's approach to learning and development, including implementing an innovative 80-hour professional development policy and reimagining performance evaluations to foster genuine growth and engagement.
This Episode Covers:
How Berkeley implemented and tracked an 80-hour annual professional development policy, achieving 50% staff participation Why traditional annual performance reviews often fail and how Berkeley shifted to a three-conversation model that yielded 88% employee satisfaction The business case for learning culture: reducing turnover costs, improving retention, and enhancing workplace satisfaction Practical ways to democratize coaching through peer relationships and communities of practice How to gain buy-in from resistant managers by using data and inclusive pilot programs The critical connection between workplace happiness and organizational success Breaking down silos between leadership and frontline workers to create equitable learning opportunitiesEpisode Highlights:
00:01 – Defining a Learning Culture – Why true learning organizations embed growth into everyday work rather than treating it as an afterthought.
05:55 – The 80-Hour Learning Policy at UC Berkeley – How this policy was developed, what it includes, and why it has been so successful.
12:31 – Overcoming Barriers to Learning – How to address managers who hesitate to allow their teams to engage in professional development.
19:45 – How Surveys Improve Learning Cultures – Why Berkeley tracks key data on employee engagement and how survey results have led to major improvements.
28:30 – Scaling Learning Across Organizations – How UC campuses collaborate to expand training access without reinventing the wheel.
32:38 – Rethinking Performance Evaluations – Moving from outdated annual reviews to frequent, meaningful feedback conversations.
46:06 – The Role of Coachability in Leadership – Why leaders must be open to feedback and how organizations can foster peer coaching at every level.
About Dr. Angela:
Dr. Angela Stopper is Chief Learning Officer at UC Berkeley, where she leads enterprise-wide learning and development initiatives. A pioneering force in higher education administration, she spearheaded Berkeley's groundbreaking 80-hour professional development policy and transformed its performance evaluation system. Previously, she served as Director of Program Innovations at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, overseeing executive education and leadership development programs. Her expertise spans global talent development, organizational change, and educational innovation. Dr. Stopper holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State University, where she maintains an appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on global talent development, organizational assessment, and closing workforce capability gaps in enterprise organizations.
Resources Referenced:
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11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #6 Problem-Solving
Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Problem-Solving in a Fast-Paced World: Breaking Free from Old Solutions
Is your team still applying yesterday's solutions to today's unprecedented challenges? In a McKinsey study, 75% of leaders reported their teams struggle with independent thinking and problem-solving.
This Learn-It-All Podcast episode features Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, LearnIt's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, discussing creative problem-solving strategies. Mickey introduces a practical framework called the "Five P's" that helps leaders and teams break free from conventional thinking patterns and develop innovative solutions that work in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
This Episode Covers:
The Five P's framework for reframing problems: Perspectives (how others view it), Pertinent info (relevant context), Position (relationship to the problem), Positive exceptions (when it's not a problem), and Playing favorites (avoiding default solutions) Why teams often jump to solutions before properly defining the problem, leading to misaligned efforts and ineffective outcomes How "rolestorming" - problem-solving from different perspectives by taking on various roles - unlocks creative solutions The value of pre-mortems and post-mortems in increasing problem-solving success rates Using divergent thinking (exploring multiple possibilities) and convergent thinking (narrowing to practical solutions) to develop better outcomesEpisode Highlights
00:01 – Why Problem-Solving Matters – How problem-solving impacts business success and why most teams struggle with it.
05:55 – The Five P’s Framework for Reframing Problems – A step-by-step approach to identifying and solving the right problem.
12:31 – Common Barriers to Problem-Solving – How fear of failure, risk aversion, and lack of accountability hold teams back.
19:45 – How Creativity Fuels Problem-Solving – The importance of thinking big and small, and how asking the right questions leads to innovative solutions.
28:30 – Lessons from COVID and Business Adaptation – Real-world examples of creative problem-solving and possibility spotting.
32:38 – How Leaders Can Foster a Problem-Solving Culture – Why psychological safety and open-ended questionsare key to better decision-making.
46:06 – Practical Tools for Problem-Solving – The power of pre-mortems, post-mortems, and role-storming to improve solutions.
About Damon Lembi:
Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people....
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Breaking Free from the Leadership Trap: Moving from Burnout to Flow
Are you caught in the endless cycle of hustle culture, wondering if there's a better way to lead? Many successful leaders find themselves trapped in outdated command-and-control systems that breed burnout and diminish effectiveness. But what if leadership could flow more naturally?
In this enlightening episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Pistulka speaks with Bodhi Aldridge, a leadership coach with over 20 years of experience working with executives globally. Aldridge shares profound insights on transforming leadership through the balance of masculine and feminine energies, the power of presence, and the shift from hustle to flow. Drawing from his work with countless leaders worldwide, he reveals practical strategies for breaking free from traditional leadership paradigms while maintaining high performance.
This Episode Covers:
Why "busyness is laziness" and how leaders can shift from a culture of hustle to a state of flow The two fundamental keys to leadership: connection and direction, and why most team dissatisfaction stems from failures in these areas How the traditional organizational pyramid structure, designed for warfare, may be holding back modern businesses The four pillars of future male leadership: connection, collaboration, compassion, and curiosity The critical difference between masculine/feminine energies versus traits, and how understanding this distinction can transform organizational dynamics Why 70% of organizational communication is spent correcting miscommunication, and how presence can solve this The importance of reflection in leadership development and why even 5 minutes of daily quiet time can create significant changeEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Bodhi Aldridge – Damon introduces Bodhi, highlighting his work in emotional intelligence and mindful leadership.
(02:30) The Foundations of Emotional Intelligence – Bodhi explains how EQ serves as the cornerstone of effective leadership.
(05:45) Mindfulness in Leadership – Bodhi discusses why being present is critical for leaders to connect authentically with their teams.
(09:00) The Power of Vulnerability – Bodhi shares how embracing vulnerability fosters trust and drives team performance.
(12:33) Balancing Ambition and Authenticity – Bodhi reflects on how leaders can remain ambitious without losing sight of their values and purpose.
(17:00) Lessons from Coaching Leaders – Bodhi provides actionable advice for leaders based on his experiences coaching executives and teams.
(21:30) Creating a Connected Culture – Bodhi emphasizes the importance of intentional communication and empathy in building stronger teams.
(33:18) Final Thoughts on Mindful Leadership – Damon and Bodhi wrap up with a call to action for leaders to prioritize emotional intelligence and authenticity.
About Bodhi:
A former attorney turned global leadership coach; Bodhi Aldridge has spent over two decades transforming how leaders navigate the modern business landscape. After 20 years practicing law, he shifted to leadership development, working with executives and organizations worldwide to bridge the gap between commercial success and personal fulfillment. Aldridge specializes in helping leaders, particularly men, move beyond traditional command-and-control models to embrace a more balanced approach incorporating both masculine and feminine energies. A best-selling co-author of Visionary Male Leaders, he runs the "From Distraction to Presence" program and hosts the True Freedom podcast. His unique methodology combines...
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Building Adaptable Organizations: The Key to Surviving Rapid Change
Is your organization struggling to keep up with the accelerating pace of change? Consider this: The average lifespan of a company has shrunk from 75 years to just 6. Without constant reinvention, your business might not exist in three years.
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, change leadership expert Debora McLaughlin explores how organizations can build the critical capability of "changeability" - the mindset, energy, and capacity to not only lead change but to imagine opportunities within obstacles. Drawing from her extensive experience in corporate technology, psychology, and executive coaching, McLaughlin shares practical insights on how leaders can assess and develop adaptability at the individual, team, and organizational levels.
This Episode Covers:
The three pillars of changeability: change leadership, adaptability (which can now be measured across 15 dimensions), and agility Why understanding your leadership style (head, heart, or hands) is crucial for effectively communicating change to different personality types How psychological safety and learning environments are essential for building adaptability The distinction between "play to protect" and "play to win" mindsets, and why organizations need both The importance of asking clarifying questions rather than just telling people what to do when implementing change How environmental factors like stress levels and team support significantly impact an organization's ability to change Why resilience should focus on "leaping forward" rather than just "bouncing back" The critical skill of "unlearning" - letting go of previously successful approaches to embrace new ways of workingEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Debora McLaughlin – Damon introduces Debora, highlighting her expertise in leadership, adaptability, and coaching.
(01:15) What Is Changeability? – Debora explains the concept of changeability and how it empowers leaders to create their future.
(05:30) The Three-Legged Stool – Debora introduces her framework: change leadership, adaptability, and agility, and how they support organizational success.
(09:00) Understanding Leadership Styles – Debora shares how knowing whether you lead with your head, heart, or hands can transform communication and collaboration.
(12:33) Adaptability as a Superpower – Debora emphasizes why adaptability is the most sought-after skill and how it impacts individuals, teams, and organizations.
(17:00) Building Psychological Safety – Debora discusses the importance of creating environments where teams feel safe to learn, fail, and innovate.
(21:30) Turning Resistance into Opportunity – Debora shares strategies for helping teams and individuals overcome resistance to change.
(33:18) The Power of Unlearning – Debora highlights why unlearning outdated habits is just as important as acquiring new skills.
(42:00) Final Thoughts on Changeability – Damon, Darren, and Debora wrap up with actionable insights for leading and thriving in a VUCA world.
About Debora:
Debora McLaughlin is the CEO of The Renegade Leader Coaching and Consulting Group and author of multiple books including the recently released Changeability. With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 100 technology implementation, licensed psychology practice, and executive coaching, McLaughlin brings a unique combination of business acumen and behavioral expertise to organizational change. Her work focuses on measuring and building adaptability in
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11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #5 Critical Thinking
Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Critical Thinking: Your Competitive Edge in the AI Era
Are your teams making 35,000 daily decisions based on cognitive biases instead of clear analysis? In today's AI-driven workplace, the ability to think critically isn't just valuable—it's irreplaceable. Yet most organizations continue to rush through decisions without a framework for objective analysis.
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi speaks with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, learnIt's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, about mastering critical thinking. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, they explore how leaders can foster environments where teams move beyond cognitive biases to make better decisions. Mickey shares the CARE framework (Correlation vs. Causation, Alternative Explanations, Reliable Sources, Evidence) and explains why slowing down to think critically leads to faster, better results in the long run.
This Episode Covers:
How one university dramatically increased enrollment by using critical thinking to discover that mental health and financial insecurity—not academic issues—were the real drivers of student attrition Why the organizational pressure for speed often leads to dangerous cognitive shortcuts, and how intentionally slowing down actually accelerates better decision-making The CARE framework for evaluating information and claims in an age of information overload How leaders can model critical thinking by actively seeking opposing viewpoints and creating psychological safety for team members to challenge assumptions Ways to use AI as a thought partner to challenge your thinking and identify potential blind spots in decision-making The crucial connection between psychological safety and critical thinking—teams need to feel safe questioning the "bandwagon effect" How the "Five Whys" technique from Toyota can quickly uncover root causes and deeper understandingEpisode Highlights:
00:00 – The Rising Importance of Critical Thinking – Why 93 percent of employers prioritize critical thinking over degrees and how AI makes this skill even more vital.
04:58 – The CARE Framework for Critical Thinking – A structured approach to evaluating information and avoiding common decision-making pitfalls.
09:04 – Real-World Application: Solving the Wrong Problem – A case study on how critical thinking helped uncover the true reasons behind student attrition.
14:00 – Cognitive Biases That Sabotage Decision-Making – Why confirmation bias, the bandwagon effect, and resulting lead to poor choices.
19:45 – Fostering Critical Thinking in Organizations – How leaders can create a culture that encourages better thinking and...
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Culture Matters: Building an Operating System for Organizational Success
Is your company culture something that "just happens," or are you intentionally shaping it? Many leaders know culture is crucial but struggle to actively build it.
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi interviews Jenni Catron, author of Culture Matters, about creating systematic approaches to developing organizational culture. Drawing from her experience in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial environments, Jenni shares practical insights on building what she calls an "operating system" for culture—moving beyond perks and platitudes to create lasting behavioral change.
This Episode Covers:
Why leaders often treat culture as an afterthought despite knowing its importance The five-phase framework for intentionally building culture: assess, define, build, equip, and commit How exit processes significantly impact organizational trust and culture Why mid-level managers are increasingly critical to shaping culture and employee experience The importance of clearly defining competing values and decision-making processes How one director transformed her team's culture through consistent, simple practices Why communication and feedback are foundational leadership skills for culture-buildingEpisode Highlights:
00:01 – Why Culture is Often an Afterthought – Jenni explains why leaders fail to prioritize culture and how it directly impacts business success.
03:29 – Jenni’s Leadership Journey – From the record industry to nonprofit leadership, Jenni shares how her experiences shaped her understanding of culture.
09:04 – The Five-Phase Framework for Shaping Culture – Jenni breaks down the key steps leaders must take to create an intentional culture.
14:04 – Why Employee Exits Matter – The way leaders handle departures affects trust, morale, and the company’s long-term culture.
21:31 – The Hardest Part: Defining Culture – Why leaders struggle with clarity and how to effectively articulate and implement cultural values.
27:28 – Culture and Decision-Making – How a strong culture shapes decision-making, organizational structure, and leadership effectiveness.
37:36 – A Leadership Transformation Story – How one middle manager reshaped her team’s culture through intentional leadership development.
About Jenni:
Jenni Catron is a leadership expert and CEO of The 4Sight Group, where she consults with organizations on leadership development and organizational health. Her career spans over 20 years across multiple sectors, beginning as Artist Development Director at EMI Music before transitioning to executive leadership roles at Cross Point Church and Menlo Church, where she led significant growth and multi-site expansion initiatives.
As an author, Catron has published notable works including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence, The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership and the upcoming Culture Matters (published 2.11 2025). Recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of thirty emerging influencers reshaping church leadership, she speaks at conferences nationwide on leadership development and organizational strategy. Her expertise bridges both ministry and marketplace sectors, focusing on developing healthy leaders and thriving organizational cultures.
Resources Referenced:
Jenni’s Website
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What if getting sued by a billion-dollar competitor was the best thing that could happen to your business?
When Bennett Maxwell was hit with a lawsuit from cookie giant Crumbl, he didn't hide or play defense he turned it into rocket fuel for growth. In this fascinating conversation, Maxwell reveals how he turned a serious legal threat into a marketing opportunity that helped his cookie franchise company, Dirty Dough, explode from 60 to 290 locations in just six months. But this episode goes far beyond cookies and lawsuits. Maxwell shares profound insights about professional communication, time valuation, advisory board building, and maintaining perspective while scaling rapidly. His journey from door-to-door sales to running a fast-growing franchise empire while staying focused on mental health and what truly matters offers valuable lessons for any business leader navigating growth and adversity.
This Episode Covers:
How knocking on 10,000 doors taught Maxwell invaluable lessons about professional communication that he still uses to raise capital and close deals His contrarian approach to getting high-profile advisors (including a $31B IPO veteran) by selling the vision and leveraging referrals Why he believes every interaction is a sale and how to get better at identifying and solving problems through thoughtful questions The counterintuitive advice from his advisor about taking investment money early to reduce stress, even if it means giving up equity A systematic approach to calculating your hourly value to make better decisions about time allocation and outsourcing His experience transitioning from solo entrepreneurship to building company culture at scale Hard-won wisdom about balancing aggressive business growth with mental health and family prioritiesEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Bennett Maxwell – Damon introduces Bennett and his background in sales and entrepreneurship.
(02:00) Lessons from Knocking on Doors – Bennett shares how door-to-door sales shaped his communication skills and resilience.
(05:30) Valuing Time and Outsourcing – Bennett explains the importance of knowing your worth and focusing on high-impact activities.
(09:00) Founding Dirty Dough – Bennett recounts his journey from investing in a single cookie store to building a scalable franchise model.
(12:33) Building an Advisory Board – Bennett discusses how he recruited experts to guide Dirty Dough’s growth.
(17:00) Turning Lawsuits into Opportunities – Bennett reflects on how humor and transparency turned a legal battle into a marketing advantage.
(21:30) Mental Health and Business – Bennett shares his journey of prioritizing mental health and finding balance as an entrepreneur.
(33:18) Future of Dirty Dough – Bennett outlines the brand’s growth plans, including new product lines and innovations.
(42:00) Final Thoughts on Success – Bennett emphasizes the importance of setting authentic life goals and aligning actions with values.
About Bennett:
Bennett Maxwell is a serial entrepreneur who catapulted Dirty Dough Cookies from a single store to over 450 franchise locations in just two years before successfully selling the company to Craveworthy Brands. His entrepreneurial track record includes building and scaling businesses across multiple sectors, including pest control, satellite TV, security systems, and solar energy. Now serving as Director of Franchise Development at Craveworthy Brands, Bennett continues to shape the franchise industry while also hosting "Deeper Than the Dough," a podcast focused on entrepreneurship and mental...
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Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Building Trust in the AI Era
Is your organization struggling with employee burnout, productivity, and engagement? Research shows these challenges can be solved by focusing on one fundamental element: trust. But in an era of increasing skepticism and AI-driven change, how do leaders build genuine trust?
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series, hosts Damon Lembi and Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins discuss the science and practice of building trust in modern organizations. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they explore how trust serves as a competitive advantage and why it's more crucial than ever in an AI-accelerated workplace.
This Episode Covers:
The three pillars of trust in the workplace: empathy, competence, and authenticity - with empathy serving as the foundation How high-trust environments lead to 75% less stress, 40% less burnout, 50% higher productivity, and 13% fewer sick days The "trust bank account" concept and why making regular deposits through consistent, dependable behavior is essential Practical strategies for saying "no" professionally while maintaining trust and managing workload Why advocating for team members is one of the most powerful ways leaders can demonstrate trust How customer loyalty and brand engagement significantly increase when employees work in high-trust environments The importance of being authentic and showing up as a "whole person" rather than just a title or roleEpisode Highlights
00:00 – Introduction: Why Trust Matters – Damon and Mickey introduce the importance of trust and why it is a critical skill for career success.
02:00 – Defining Trust in the Workplace – A breakdown of trust as predictability, dependability, and integrity.
03:30 – A Personal Story of Trust Gone Wrong – Mickey shares a real-life leadership misstep that resulted in a trust breakdown and what she did to fix it.
06:00 – The Three Pillars of Trust – Empathy, competence, and authenticity: the foundation of trust in professional relationships.
10:00 – Practical Ways to Build Trust Out Loud – How to demonstrate trust through dependability, follow-through, and advocacy.
12:00 – The Science of High-Trust Workplaces – Research-backed statistics on how trust reduces stress, boosts productivity, and enhances engagement.
18:00 – Saying No Professionally to Maintain Trust – Why high performers need to set boundaries and how leaders can avoid overburdening top talent.
20:00 – How High-Trust Organizations Outperform Competitors – The business case for trust, from employee retention to customer...
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Leadership Lessons from a Veteran-Led Business: Building High-Performance Teams Through Military Principles
Are you struggling to build a culture of accountability and excellence in your organization? What if the solution lies in learning from those who've led in the most demanding circumstances imaginable?
In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, John Berry, founder of an eight-figure law firm and author of Veteran-Led, shares how military leadership principles can transform business performance. Drawing from his experience as both a military commander and successful business leader, Berry explains why veterans are "America's greatest resource" and how their leadership capabilities can create competitive advantages in any organization. He provides practical insights on building accountability, fostering healthy competition, and developing resilient teams while maintaining humanity and care for people.
This Episode Covers:
Why hiring veterans gives organizations a competitive edge through their innate understanding of leadership, accountability, and high standards How to use objective "scoreboards" and metrics to drive performance while maintaining team morale The importance of situational awareness in leadership and reading your environment to make better decisions Why "feedback is a gift" - especially when it hurts - and how to use it for growth The balance between being highly competitive and deeply caring for your team members Why safety is an illusion and how pushing people toward excellence actually protects them The right way to part ways with underperforming team members while preserving dignity How to scale an organization by having leaders build more leadersEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to John Berry – Damon introduces John, highlighting his military background, legal expertise, and passion for leadership.
(01:30) Why Veterans Are America’s Greatest Resource – John explains the leadership, resilience, and mission focus veterans bring to the workplace.
(05:30) Lessons from Military Leadership – John shares how his Army experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and his book, Veteran Led.
(09:00) The Power of Feedback – John discusses why feedback is a gift and how leaders can embrace it to improve themselves and their teams.
(12:33) Building a Scoreboard – John explains how transparent scoreboards foster accountability and inspire teams to excel.
(17:00) Fostering a Culture of Leadership – John shares practical strategies for building a team that thrives on collaboration and high standards.
(33:18) Embracing Failure as a Leader – John reflects on how his failures shaped his leadership style and taught him invaluable lessons.
(45:00) Advice for Hiring Veterans – John offers tips on finding and integrating veterans into your organization to drive success.
About John:
John Berry is a decorated military veteran and successful business leader who has transformed his father's law practice into a thriving eight-figure enterprise with over 140 employees. After serving 20 years in the military, including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq as an infantry officer and company commander, Berry leveraged his military leadership experience to build Berry Law into one of America's fastest-growing companies, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years. His firm, which specializes in veterans' disability appeals, personal injury, and criminal defense, has secured over $350 million in backpay awards for veterans. A thought leader on veteran employment and military-style leadership...
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Building an Extraordinary Company Culture: Leadership Lessons from NetApp's Transformation
Is your organization struggling to maintain high performance and strong culture during challenging times? How do you create a workplace where people don't just show up for a paycheck, but genuinely care about the company's success and each other?
In this illuminating episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Tom Mendoza, former President of NetApp, discusses how authentic leadership, clear communication, and unwavering values can transform an organization's culture and drive extraordinary results. He shares his remarkable story of leading the NetApp through the dot-com crash and watching their stock plummet from $156 to $6. Despite this crisis, under his leadership, the company not only survived but grew from $800 million to $6 billion in revenue and was named the #1 company to work for in America.
This Episode Covers:
Why the "death by a thousand cuts" approach to layoffs destroys morale, and how NetApp's leadership handled necessary cuts with transparency and dignity The power of making 20 brief appreciation calls daily to recognize employees doing great work and how this practice spread organically throughout the organization How to handle high-performing employees with toxic attitudes, including a practical technique for evaluating employee performance using the "strengths vs. areas of improvement" test The five essential elements of NetApp's culture: attitude, candor, catching people doing something right, leadership over management, and embracing change Why empowering employees to take risks and supporting them even when they fail is crucial for innovation and growth The importance of treating departing employees with respect and appreciation, as it significantly impacts how current employees view the organization The value of creating a culture where people put the company's needs before individual interests without sacrificing personal growth and fulfillmentEpisode Highlights:
(00:00:00) Introduction to Tom Mendoza – Damon welcomes Tom and sets the stage for a conversation on leadership, culture, and resilience.
(00:03:00) Leading Through the Dot-Com Crash – Tom recounts how NetApp navigated a stock drop from $156 to $6 and the leadership decisions that helped the company rebound.
(00:10:30) The Power of Culture and Employee Loyalty – How NetApp built a culture where employees stayed, even in the toughest times, and why trust in leadership matters.
(00:16:00) Recognizing Employees and Leadership Through Service – Tom shares his philosophy on catching people doing something right and the impact of a simple thank-you call.
(00:27:00) Five Key Leadership Principles – Tom discusses the pillars of a great culture, including attitude, candor, recognition, leadership, and embracing change.
(00:42:00) Encouraging Risk-Taking in Organizations – How leaders can create an environment where employees feel safe taking risks and driving innovation.
(00:50:00) Lessons on Leadership, Family, and Legacy – Tom reflects on the lessons he hopes to pass on to his children and what makes a great leader in today’s world.
About Tom:
Tom Mendoza was instrumental in transforming NetApp from a startup to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise over his 25-year career. As President from 2000 to 2008 and later as Vice Chairman, he led the company through remarkable growth, increasing revenue from $600,000 to $1 billion in just six years. Mendoza championed values-based...
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Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our new 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, we'll dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Self-Awareness: The Critical Leadership Skill That Grows More Important as You Rise
Are you a successful leader who's risen through the ranks, only to find yourself wondering if you've lost touch with how you impact others? In today's AI-driven world, technical skills can be automated - but authentic leadership presence can't be replicated.
This episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series tackles one of the most fundamental yet overlooked leadership skills: self-awareness. Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins shares her personal journey from burnout to breakthrough, revealing how self-awareness helped her pivot from a 20-year career in higher education to find renewed purpose. Through candid discussion with host Damon Lembi, she outlines practical steps for developing greater self-awareness and explains why this skill is essential for building trust, driving innovation, and leading effectively in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
This Episode Covers:
Why higher-level leaders often mistakenly believe they can stop focusing on self-awareness when the opposite is true How lack of self-awareness can lead to wasted years in the wrong role and diminished impact across an organization The critical connection between self-awareness and building authentic trust with both employees and customers Practical techniques for regular self-reflection, including end-of-week emotional check-ins and decision journals Why younger generations particularly value authentic, self-aware leadership when choosing employers The relationship between emotional regulation and effective leadership How to recognize when your emotions are signaling the need for a career pivotEpisode Highlight:
(00:00:00) Introduction to Self-Awareness – Damon and Mickey introduce the importance of self-awareness, particularly in leadership, and the role it plays in building trust.
(00:03:00) The Dangers of Poor Self-Awareness – Mickey shares the negative impacts of lacking self-awareness, including burnout and wasted career years.
(00:08:00) Mickey’s Story: From Burnout to Breakthrough – Dr. Mickey discusses her personal journey through career transformation and how self-awareness helped her pivot to a new path.
(00:12:00) Practical Tips for Enhancing Self-Awareness – Damon and Mickey explore actionable steps for regular self-reflection, including emotional regulation and decision journaling.
(00:21:00) Self-Awareness in Leadership – The conversation shifts to how leaders can model self-awareness for their teams, emphasizing the impact on organizational culture and trust.
(00:30:00) Developing Self-Awareness in a Fast-Paced World – Mickey and Damon discuss why self-awareness is more crucial...
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Can your management style unknowingly create the very problems you're trying to solve?
In this enlightening episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Carey Davidson introduces the Five Archetypes system, an innovative approach to understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics based on ancient Chinese medicine. Unlike traditional personality assessments that put people in fixed boxes, Davidson's framework offers a fluid, growth-oriented method for improving leadership, communication, and change management. Through real-world examples and practical applications, she demonstrates how leaders can use this system to break through team dysfunction, enhance presence, and create more harmonious, productive workplace relationships.
This Episode Covers:
How the Five Archetypes (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood) represent different approaches to leadership and problem-solving, each with distinct strengths and potential pitfalls A powerful case study of how understanding these archetypes helped transform a dysfunctional sales team after traditional consulting had failed for two years Why your most comfortable leadership behaviors might be creating resistance and disconnection in your team members who lead with different archetypes Practical techniques for using the system to deliver difficult news, manage change, and maintain innovation under pressure The critical importance of recognizing when your primary archetype is creating barriers to effective leadership and team harmony Why current personality assessment tools can limit growth by putting people in fixed categories rather than encouraging adaptability How to bridge communication gaps between different archetypes, particularly in sales and customer relationshipsEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Carey Davidson – Damon introduces Carey and her innovative Five Archetypes framework.
(01:15) The Origin of the Five Archetypes – Carey explains how ancient Chinese medicine inspired her system for understanding human energy and behavior.
(05:30) Breaking Down the Archetypes – Carey introduces the five archetypes: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood, and how they interact in individuals and teams.
(09:00) The Power of Growth and Change – Carey discusses why her system focuses on growth rather than labeling, helping people adapt and thrive.
(12:33) Practical Applications in Teams – Carey shares how she has helped organizations use the archetypes to resolve conflicts and improve communication.
(17:00) Building Compassion Through Awareness – Carey emphasizes the role of self-awareness and empathy in reducing judgment and fostering collaboration.
(21:30) Personal and Professional Transformation – Carey provides examples of how understanding archetypes can create harmony and unlock potential.
(33:18) Final Thoughts on the Archetypes – Damon and Carey wrap up with key takeaways for leaders, teams, and individuals looking to embrace change and connection.
About Carey:
Carey Davidson is a pioneering leadership expert who developed the Five Archetypes system, transforming ancient Chinese medicine principles into a modern framework for organizational and personal growth. As the former HR leader at Columbia University and Executive Director of CARING at Columbia's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Davidson saw firsthand how traditional personality assessments often failed to create lasting change. This insight led her to found Tournesol Wellness in New York City, where she combined cutting-edge science with time-tested wisdom to create a revolutionary approach to understanding human behavior and relationship...
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Leadership Lessons from a Ghostwriter to the Greats: Why Being Second Fiddle Can Lead to First-Class Success
Are you frustrated trying to climb the corporate ladder by always pushing to be number one? What if the fastest path to success is actually through helping others succeed first?
In this illuminating episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Chris Widener, former ghostwriter for leadership legends John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, and Zig Ziglar, shares his unconventional path to becoming a leadership expert and bestselling author.
Drawing from his remarkable journey from troubled youth to trusted advisor of business titans, Widener reveals how serving as "second fiddle" to industry giants ultimately created more opportunities, influence, and success than trying to be the star of the show. He explores the power of authentic leadership, the importance of personal revival in addressing today's societal divisions, and practical wisdom on everything from parenting to professional growth.
This Episode Covers:
Why the key difference between success and failure isn't the absence of obstacles but the presence of perseverance How asking "How can I help you?" instead of "Will you help me?" opened doors to working with leadership legends The counterintuitive career strategy of being an excellent "number two" that led to greater influence and opportunity Why showing appropriate vulnerability and weakness as a leader actually increases your influence and effectiveness The importance of allowing people, especially your children and employees, to follow their own path rather than forcing them into your vision A practical approach to developing original thought leadership by dedicating just 15 minutes daily to focused thinking Why personal and spiritual revival is essential for addressing today's deep societal divisionsEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chris Widener – Damon introduces Chris, highlighting his incredible journey and leadership expertise.
(01:30) Defining Leadership Success – Chris shares his insights on perseverance and its role in separating great leaders from the rest.
(05:30) From Struggles to Success – Chris recounts his early life challenges and how they shaped his career and leadership philosophy.
(09:00) Lessons from Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn – Chris discusses how working with these legendary figures taught him humility, curiosity, and servant leadership.
(12:33) Being a Voice, Not an Echo – Chris introduces his life motto and explains how leaders can cultivate original thought and vision.
(17:00) Transparency in Leadership – Chris shares the importance of showing vulnerability and building trust within teams.
(21:30) Mentorship and Legacy – Chris reflects on his mentors and offers advice for fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
(33:18) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Damon and Chris wrap up with actionable advice for listeners looking to grow as leaders and individuals.
About Chris:
Chris Widener is a globally recognized leadership expert who built his career by first serving as the trusted second-in-command to industry legends. As ghostwriter for John Maxwell's nationally syndicated column and co-author of Jim Rohn's million-copy bestseller Twelve Pillars, Widener gained unique insights into the minds of leadership giants. He later co-hosted Zig Ziglar's television show and grew his own publishing company into a major success, selling 50,000-75,000 personal development program sets monthly through Costco and Sam's Club. A Wall Street Journal #2 bestselling author, Widener has written 25 books and speaks to elite...
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Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our new 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, we'll dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Authentic Leadership: Building Trust Through Transparency and Vulnerability
Are you struggling to maintain authority while being open and genuine with your team? In today's AI-driven workplace, authentic leadership has never been more crucial - yet many leaders wrestle with finding the right balance between vulnerability and confidence.
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Learnit’s CEO Damon Lembi and leadership development expert and Learnit workshop leader Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, Ph.D. explore how authentic leadership transforms team dynamics and organizational culture.
Through real-world examples and practical strategies, they examine why leaders who are "learn-it-alls" rather than "know-it-alls" create stronger teams, build trust, and improve retention. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership effectiveness while maintaining your authority and presence, you won’t want to miss this episode!
This Episode Covers:
Why "know-it-all" leadership creates distance and erodes trust, leading to low morale, fear, and ultimately higher turnover The four key components of authentic leadership: emotional intelligence, relational transparency, values-based decisions, and balanced decision-making How to maintain authority while being vulnerable by setting clear boundaries and combining openness with confident decision-making The importance of closing the "information gap" through strategic transparency to prevent employees from making negative assumptions Why naming your authentic leadership behaviors out loud builds trust and demonstrates intentionality Real-world examples of how authentic leadership transformed team dynamics from fear-based to trust-based relationships The critical balance between sharing enough information to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundariesAbout Damon:
Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.
About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins
Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology...
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Are you frustrated by employees who seem disengaged and unmotivated? You can get your team to truly care about their work beyond just collecting a paycheck.
In this illuminating episode, culture expert Dr. Jessica Kriegel challenges conventional wisdom about workplace culture and shares data-driven insights on what actually drives employee engagement and business results. Together with host Damon Lembi, she explores how leaders can create cultures that drive measurable outcomes by focusing on beliefs rather than actions. Drawing from extensive research, including a groundbreaking study with Stanford University, Jessica explains why many popular approaches to culture fall short and reveals surprising findings about what truly makes organizations successful. From debunking generational stereotypes to sharing practical strategies for leading remote teams, this episode offers fresh perspectives on building high-performing cultures in today's evolving workplace.
This Episode Covers:
• Why focusing on employees' beliefs rather than just their actions leads to sustainable behavior change and better results
• The surprising finding that "adaptable" cultures outperform other culture types by 4x in revenue growth
• How public recognition should link specific actions to cultural beliefs and measurable results
• Why generational stereotypes are destructive and unsupported by data - including research showing older workers adopt workplace technology at the same rate as younger ones
• The importance of leaders modeling accountability instead of just demanding it from others
• Why forcing employees back to offices can signal resistance to adaptability and potentially harm culture
• Three key benefits of remote work: broader talent access, increased trust through flexibility, and more outcome-focused management
Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Jessica Kriegel – Damon introduces Jessica and her expertise in workplace culture and leadership.
(01:35) Why Beliefs Matter More Than Actions – Jessica explains the concept of the “Results Pyramid” and how leaders can shift beliefs to drive sustainable behavior change.
(05:30) Stories and Recognition – Jessica highlights the importance of storytelling and recognition as tools for building alignment and engagement.
(09:00) Shaping a Culture of Accountability – Jessica shares actionable advice on fostering accountability at every level of an organization.
(12:33) The Adaptability Advantage – Jessica discusses her research on why adaptable cultures outperform rigid ones, especially in rapidly changing industries.
(17:00) Feedback and Leadership – Jessica emphasizes the value of asking for and acting on feedback to create trust and collaboration.
(21:30) Lessons from Oracle and Culture Partners – Jessica reflects on her experiences shaping culture at Oracle and her work at Culture Partners.
(33:18) Final Thoughts on Culture and Leadership – Damon and Jessica wrap up with key takeaways for building belief-driven organizations.
About Jessica:
Dr. Jessica Kriegel is Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Partners, where she leads research and strategy to help Fortune 500 companies transform their organizational cultures. With over 15 years of experience, including a pivotal decade at Oracle during their cloud transformation, she has worked with prominent organizations like Lockheed Martin, Bank of America, and the Federal Reserve. Dr. Kriegel developed the "Culture Equation," a data-driven model that aligns organizational purpose, strategy, and culture to deliver measurable results. She holds a doctorate in Human Resources Development from Drexel University and an MBA,
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Are you struggling to build a team that takes true ownership of their work? How do you transition from being hands-on with every decision to empowering others to drive results?
In this episode, former p rofessional soccer player turned tech entrepreneur Lyle Adams shares his journey from walking on at Wake Forest University to becoming one of Uber's first 100 employees and founding Spry, a fast-growing athletic compliance platform. Through his experiences as an athlete, early Uber employee, and founder, Lyle provides invaluable insights on building high-performing teams, maintaining authenticity during organizational challenges, and the power of curiosity in driving professional growth. His unique perspective bridges the worlds of elite athletics and business leadership, offering practical wisdom on delegation, talent development, and creating a culture of ownership.
This Episode Covers:
Why curiosity is the fundamental trait that enables both athletic and business success How to transition from being the technical expert to an effective leader who empowers others The importance of being authentic and transparent with your team during organizational challenges Why hiring people smarter than you is key to scaling yourself as a leader How to create a culture of ownership vs. "renters" in your organization The critical balance between remote work flexibility and in-person collaboration Why great leaders should aim to make only 8 major strategic decisions per yearEpisode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Lyle Adams – Damon introduces Lyle and his remarkable journey from professional soccer to tech entrepreneurship.
(02:46) Walking On at Wake Forest – Lyle shares his story of perseverance and earning a spot on one of the nation’s top soccer programs.
(09:29) Winning a National Championship – Lyle reflects on the camaraderie and culture that drove his team to victory.
(14:34) Life as a Professional Athlete – Lyle discusses the challenges of transitioning from college to the pros and lessons learned along the way.
(22:44) From Soccer to Tech – Lyle talks about his transition to the corporate world and the pivotal moments that led him to Uber.
(28:58) The Uber Experience – Lyle recounts his time as one of Uber’s first 100 employees and the lessons learned from scaling a global game-changer.
(39:43) Founding Spry – Lyle explains the inspiration behind Spry, its mission, and how it empowers student-athletes in the NIL era.
(46:17) Advice for Founders – Lyle offers practical tips on leadership, delegation, and staying focused as a startup founder.
(54:26) Reflections on Fatherhood – Lyle shares his experiences as a new dad and the lessons he’s learning from this exciting chapter of life.
(56:05) Where to Connect with Lyle – Lyle shares how listeners can reach out and learn more about Spry.
About Lyle:
Lyle Adams, Founder and CEO of Spry, a leading athletic compliance platform serving over 200 customers, brings a unique blend of elite athletics and tech industry expertise to his role. As one of Uber's first 100 employees, he spent six years in key leadership positions helping scale the company's operations and analytics capabilities. Before his successful transition to tech, Lyle was a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer, having earned his spot as a walk-on at Wake Forest University where he led the team to a national championship. His journey from professional athlete to tech executive and entrepreneur culminated in founding Spry, where he leverages his comprehensive experience to revolutionize NIL technology for athletic departments and...
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Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our new 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we're excited to be partnering with MuchSkills, a platform that helps companies identify and track their employees' skills.
Together, we've analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace. Each week, we'll dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies and expert insights to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Master the Art of Deep Listening: A Critical Leadership Skill AI Can't Replace
Are your listening skills truly as strong as you think they are? In an era of constant digital interruptions and mounting pressure to multitask, most leaders overestimate their listening abilities. In fact, according to research from The Workforce Institute,* 86% of employees feel they are not heard "fairly or equally," and 63% believe their voice has been ignored by their employer or manager.
In this episode, host Damon Lembi and leadership expert Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins dive deep into the often-overlooked power of authentic listening. They explore why most leaders think they're better listeners than they are and reveal practical strategies to elevate your listening from a basic communication skill into a leadership superpower that drives better decision-making, stronger relationships, and improved team performance.
* https://www.ukg.com/workforce-institute
This Episode Covers:
Why traditional "hearing and responding" fails to capture the full scope of effective listening, and how to evolve beyond surface-level communicationThe E.A.R. framework (Engagement, Attunement, Respect) for developing superior listening skills that build trust and foster innovationCommon listening pitfalls that even experienced leaders fall into, including "listening to fix" instead of understandingHow the "closeness communication bias" causes leaders to demonstrate their worst listening behaviors with their closest team membersThe critical connection between listening quality and decision-making effectivenessPractical techniques for assessing and improving your listening skills, including specific feedback strategiesThe often-overlooked impact of non-verbal presence on listening effectiveness, especially in virtual environment.Episode Highlights:
(00:00)Introduction to Listening as a Superpower – Damon and Mickey discuss the importance of mastering the skill of listening to thrive in the modern workplace.
(03:30) The Importance of Empathy in Listening – Mickey shares a personal story illustrating the difference between listening to fix problems and listening to understand.
(06:30) Listening as a Core Leadership Skill – They highlight how listening is crucial not only for leaders but for everyone in the workplace to foster connection and innovation.
(10:15) Common Listening Pitfalls – Mickey talks about distractions, interrupting, and judgment as common barriers to effective listening.
(17:00) The EAR Model of Listening – Mickey breaks down the components of the EAR model: Engagement, Attunement, and Respect, and how they can improve your...
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